What Are the Best Jewelry Pieces to Wear at a Wedding Party?

When it comes to planning your wedding, one of the last things people tend to think about is the jewelry. It’s not uncommon for your something old, something new, something borrowed, or something blue to come in the form of jewelry, but even so, planning is imperative. The right jewelry can really provide a cohesive look for the wedding party, which you’ll want to look back on fondly in your wedding pictures. From the bride and groom jewelry to the bridesmaids and groomsmen, there is plenty to consider–particularly in light of what can seem like endless options.

You want to make sure that the jewelry you choose complements everyone’s outfits, as well as each other, without coming across as overpowering. A lot to think about, right? Well don’t worry because we’ve got you covered.

Jewelry Trends for Weddings

Let’s start with some jewelry trends that have been popular lately with wedding parties. With the current wedding-age generation favoring sustainable practices, the trend of sustainable jewelry has been popular lately. This can include the use of jewelry that features lab-grown diamonds, recycled metals, and conflict-free stones. This information is readily available on jewelers' websites in the FAQ sections.

While in the past, the most popular jewelry for weddings were neutral tones such as pearls and diamond-like gemstones, color gemstones have been having their place in the limelight recently. Choosing a gemstone that matches your wedding colors is a great way to show cohesiveness. And if you’re looking for the opposite of a cohesive look, you can choose one unique jewelry piece for each person in the wedding party to allow them a bit of originality. Another popular option lately is vintage jewelry, which can be super fun because you can make a day of it with your bridesmaids–go thrift stores, estate sales, etc. and choose the jewelry together.

To summarize, here are our top jewelry trends to consider when planning your wedding:

1. Sustainable jewelry

2. Colored gemstone jewelry

3. Unique jewelry

4. Vintage jewelry

Jewelry for the Bride

The first jewelry to consider when wedding planning is the bride because she is the center of attention and everyone should complement her. More often than not, jewelry for the bride tends to be understated. Think along the lines of matching pearl necklace and earrings or diamond stud earrings and a simple diamond solitaire pendant. Another popular option for brides is jewelry hair accessories, such as pearl adorned clips, or a comb with a blue gemstone for her "something blue". If diamonds and pearls are out of your desired price range, there are plenty of alternate options and some costume jewelry can be perfectly elegant. 

When it comes to planning your bridal jewelry we recommend you consider the following ideas:

1. Understated minimalism

2. Pearls and diamonds

3. Hair accessories

Jewelry for the Groom

While it’s true that the majority of men don’t wear a lot of jewelry, and much of it would be covered by their suit, there are a few really great ideas for jewelry that could give the groom a nice touch of class. Here are three favorite:

1. Cufflinks - Besides the obvious choice of his wedding band, cufflinks are a great option because they can be personalized and add some sparkle to his suit. Cufflinks are available in a variety of metal types, from stainless steel to gold and platinum, and can be plain or set with the diamond or gemstone of his choice.

2. Tie clip - A tie clip can also add some elegance to his outfit without being overwhelming and again, they are available in a variety of metal options and colors.

3. Watch - While surprising your man with a Rolex on your wedding day might be the ultimate gift, any nice watch would be a welcome addition to his wedding outfit. 

Jewelry for Bridesmaids

Just like bridesmaids dresses are coordinated, so should their jewelry. If it’s within your budget to get your wedding party jewelry in precious metals, I’m sure they would love it, but there are many budget friendly alternative metals that can be used. There are countless options you may want to consider for your bridesmaids, but here are two of the best:

1. Use neutral or in wedding colors - Matching earrings and necklaces–either in a neutral tone or in the wedding colors to keep with the theme–are a popular option we love. If your bridesmaids' dresses are coordinated in color but not style, make sure to choose a necklace that will complement the neckline of each dress.

2. Personalized pieces - Personalized bracelets make for a great bridesmaids gift and double as something they can wear on the day of the wedding. Consider engraving their name and setting either their birthstone, or a stone that matches the wedding colors.

Jewelry for Groomsmen

Groomsmen jewelry tends to be fairly simple and can complement the groom. Here are two ideas to help adorn your groomsmen:

1. Cufflinks and tie clips - These can be either in wedding colors or personalized for each member of the bridal party.

2. Faux flower or wood boutonniere - instead of natural flower boutonnieres, some people are choosing to order and arrange their own faux flower or even wood inlay boutonnieres.

Coordinating Jewelry with Wedding Themes

If you have a particular theme for your wedding, it’s wise to consider this theme when choosing wedding jewelry. For example, if you have a vintage theme for your wedding, it makes sense to go with vintage style jewelry. If your wedding is more boho, opt for botanical themed jewelry. If your wedding is going to look more Art Deco, think geometric jewelry and black, white, with a touch of gold. Matching the jewelry to your theme will just make your wedding that much more cohesive.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the options are wide open in terms of the jewelry for your wedding party. Whether you choose to go with one of the current trends of sustainable jewelry, vintage jewelry, colored gemstone jewelry, or unique jewelry, as long as you stay consistent it’s bound to work out. For the bride, focus on options that will complement her dress without overwhelming it, and for the groom, a tie bar and cufflinks will highlight his personality without taking away from the bride.

Focus on coordinated items for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, but keep in mind that personalized pieces can be beautiful and appreciated. Don’t be afraid to work your something old, something new, something borrowed, or something blue into your wedding jewelry. Your nana might have the perfect vintage hair comb that will accent your look well. As long as you plan ahead and choose carefully, the jewelry you and your wedding party wear on your wedding day can always remind you of the love you share and your special day.